Good newsfor AZ trail

[Slim]

From IMBA:

 "On Dec. 1, 2012, the three-mile Hope Camp Trail in Saguaro National Park (AZ) will be converted to a multi-use trail. The trail — once a dirt road that allowed bikes prior to Saguaro's National Park designation — connects Tucson, AZ, to the Arizona Trail."

This is great news for locals or out of state people wanting to ride the AZ trail, especially as Tuscon is an Amtrak station and a airport, so you can take the train  or southwest airlines there and then ride to the trail. (both Amtrak and Southwest are charge less than most airlines for bikes transport)

[AZTtripper]

Thanks for posting this.

This has been in the works for some time, nice to see it come together. There are also plans for the county to build a trail to connect more directly to Old Spanish Trail.

[ScottM]

Yep, definitely a key connection for AZT thru-riders.  I believe it'll open Nov 1, not Dec -- so we should be able to go try it out soon.  It'll probably find its way into this year's AZT race route.

Until more trail is built it may be possible to use some of the Rockin' K ranch roads to go more directly to old spanish trail.  Steve Anderson of the county is looking into it.

[AZTtripper]

Until more trail is built it may be possible to use some of the Rockin' K ranch roads to go more directly to old spanish trail.  Steve Anderson of the county is looking into it.

That would be sweet.

[markphx]

Yep, definitely a key connection for AZT thru-riders.  I believe it'll open Nov 1, not Dec -- so we should be able to go try it out soon.  It'll probably find its way into this year's AZT race route.

Until more trail is built it may be possible to use some of the Rockin' K ranch roads to go more directly to old spanish trail.  Steve Anderson of the county is looking into it.

Any idea as to where I might be able to find maps or a gpx of this addition? I'm ITT'n the AZT 300 (starting from the border instead of Parker Lake) over Thanksgiving and I'd like to ride the most up to date route if possible.

-Mark

[AZTtripper]

This article had a map in the paper http://azstarnet.com/news/local/saguaro-east-s-hope-camp-trail-opening-up-to-mountain/article_4cf240db-1e3a-58e4-9d76-a84708999e34.html no map in the on line version.

Mark not sure if anybody will have the track but the road and Hope Camp are pretty easy to locate on topo maps. If you just stay on the AZT after the old 300 course turns off on the road, you'll get to Ricon Creek first then Hope Camp. Shortly after that the AZT turns into the Quilter trail and the old road will be on your left. Quite likely the Park Service will have this very well signed.

[markphx]

This article had a map in the paper http://azstarnet.com/news/local/saguaro-east-s-hope-camp-trail-opening-up-to-mountain/article_4cf240db-1e3a-58e4-9d76-a84708999e34.html no map in the on line version.

Mark not sure if anybody will have the track but the road and Hope Camp are pretty easy to locate on topo maps. If you just stay on the AZT after the old 300 course turns off on the road, you'll get to Ricon Creek first then Hope Camp. Shortly after that the AZT turns into the Quilter trail and the old road will be on your left. Quite likely the Park Service will have this very well signed.

It looks like Home Camp trail merges into E Lazy R Ranch Rd, that pops out right in front of the Rincon Market (Convenient! Although I'm doubting they'll be open Thanksgiving Day). I take it this is the proposed update to the AZTR route?

[AZTtripper]

Hopefully, but for sure you can go straight south on Camino Loma Alta.

The ranch road you are looking at is on the Rocking K Ranch that Scott mentions. That's all private so we'll likely need to get a special access grant. But if it's not signed go for it.